Instagram is testing a new feature that will allow selected content creators to upload horizontal videos lasting up to 90 minutes, marking a major expansion of the platform’s video-sharing capabilities.
The new feature, called “Features”, is designed to accommodate longer content such as podcasts, interviews, comedy programmes and extended vlogs, giving creators more room to share their work without directing audiences to other platforms.
The announcement was made on Monday by Instagram head Adam Mosseri and Vice President of Product Tessa Lyons, as the Meta-owned platform explores new ways to keep viewers engaged for longer periods.
Unlike Instagram Reels, which focus primarily on short, vertical videos, the new format supports longer, horizontal content intended for more immersive viewing on mobile devices and television screens.
How the New Feature Will Work
Instagram is also testing a feature called “Clips as Reels”, which will allow creators to link shorter Reels to their full-length videos.
This means viewers who discover a short clip could click through to watch the complete interview, podcast or programme without leaving Instagram.
The company is also developing tools that will allow creators to organize related Reels into series, making it easier for audiences to follow episodic content.
Who Can Access the Feature?
The 90-minute video option is not yet available to every Instagram user.
The company has been testing the feature with selected creators in Brazil and began expanding trials to a limited group of creators in the United States from 26 October 2026. A wider rollout is expected to take place gradually.
Instagram has not announced a confirmed date for general availability.
A Challenge to YouTube?
The development signals Instagram’s growing ambition to compete for audiences who consume longer videos on platforms such as YouTube.
By combining short clips with full-length programmes, Instagram hopes creators can attract new viewers through Reels and encourage them to stay for longer content.
The company is also exploring ways for creators to earn money through brand partnerships, fan support and potential performance-based incentives. However, a long-term monetization model for the new format has not yet been confirmed.
Instagram previously experimented with longer videos through IGTV, which was discontinued in 2022. The new approach differs by integrating long-form videos directly into the main Instagram experience.
For Nigerian podcasters, interviewers, filmmakers and digital content creators, the development could eventually provide another channel for distributing longer programmes and reaching audiences.
However, creators will need to wait for wider access before planning around the feature’s availability in Nigeria.
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